REVILED

The wererat soldiers gathered by the pit and split up into pairs. They were training with Kogna and Oria instructing them. Skivret sparred with a larger soldier that wielded and shield and short spear. Skivret’s fighting improved greatly under Kogna’s training. Nimble stood in the pit surrounded by a group of skeleton soldiers to spar with. Reviled couldn’t help but be delighted at the sight.

Mina sat to its right on an ornate pillow with a wooden base that Rench made. The other companions were given their own pillows. Reviled sat on his throne, a chair made from bones and wood that would be uncomfortable for any organic creature. Reviled clacked his claw on the throne’s arm which caused Preddie to flinch.

Reviled turned to its left, “Is something the matter,” it said.

“N-no master,” Preddie said wringing her hands. Her eyes fell to Nimble, “Why is lady Nimble fighting against your undead?”

“The other soldiers aren’t up to her level yet,” Reviled said, “But that should change soon. They’re progressing rather rapidly.”

“They should,” Mina said with a proud smile, “My brother is training them.”

“Sire is getting better,” Preddie said starry eyed, “He’s great.”

Reviled chuckled. Preddie was right about Skivret getting better. He easily slipped past his partner’s shield and struck his back. Skivret’s speed allowed him to dodge several quick strikes from his partner’s spear and seamlessly slipped past the shield again. They won’t need to hide behind their walls anymore.

“How is the training going?” Meridith said coming from behind.

“It’s going well,” Reviled said looking at the case in her hands, “What are those?”

“The tavern plans,” she said with a large smile, “Do you want to see?”

Reviled nodded and Meridith sat on its left knee. She pulled out the plans and unfurled them with Reviled holding the right side. The plans showed a three-story building with a balcony on two sides.

“Why three-stories?” Reviled said.

“The first floor will be the tavern with kitchen,” Meridith said, “Then the second floor will have seven rooms. That way we can house any guests wanting to talk with you. Then the third floor will have enough rooms for the myself, Mina, Kogna, and Oria.”

“What about the basement?”

Meridith flipped to the last page, “Here are the plans for the basement,” she said, “We’ll make it a sitting room for anyone wanting to have an audience with you. It will have a bar and several tables for our specific visitors.”

“What’s this?” Reviled pointed to what looked like a raised platform with curtains all around it.

“That was my idea,” Mina said sheepishly, “Back home, it’s improper for peasants to look upon the lords, so they have a dais with screens. That way they could have court without dishonoring the petitioner,” Mina looked up at Reviled, “If you had something similar then you could join us in the tavern.”

Reviled gently brushed Mina’s cheek, “Thank you Mina,” it said, “We’ll make great use of your gift.” It turned back to Meridith, “When will construction start?”

“Next week,” she said rolling up the plans, “It will be finished in about two months, and probably another month before it will open.”

“Let’s try opening in two weeks after construction,” Reviled said.

“Understood,” Meridith said, “I can start putting in orders for furniture and supplies early. Our biggest issue will be finding people to staff the tavern.”

“Agreed,” Reviled said, “Perhaps we can bring in someone from the slums. If they can keep their mouth shut.”

A scream echoed through the camp. The screams were coming from Skivret’s tent. Inside they found Cappy laying on her back with the egg sitting on her stomach. The egg twitched and Cappy screamed louder.

“What’s wrong Cappy?” Mina said looking terrified.

“The egg, it’s moving,” Cappy said, “I’m having a baby!”

Reviled chuckled, “It’s starting to hatch,”

Cappy screamed again. “Why is she in pain?” Mina said looking between Reviled and Cappy.

“She emotionally bonded to the egg,” Oria said. Everyone looked at her in shock, “I know a man who went through the same thing when his wife was pregnant.”

The egg twitched violently, and a crack formed along the shell, “It’s coming!” Cappy said closing her eyes.

The egg continued to shake as more cracks formed along the shell. A chip fell from the shell and Cappy let out another loud scream. A few more chips fell. Cappy released the loudest scream she could, and the shell burst open. The elithan ant cried alongside Cappy with its mandibles open and small stinger piercing the air. Cappy let go of the egg and it fell to the ground.

Cappy stood up and petted the ant, “Happy birthday, Antwuan!” she said, “Are ya’ hungry?” The ant clacked its mandibles then snapped at Cappy’s hand. Cappy recoiled glaring at the ant, “No, bad Antwuan! No biting!” Energy gathered in her hand, and she slapped the ant’s head. The ant screamed in pain as a light green circle appeared around its neck. “You don’t bite Mama Capcap! Ever!”

“No!” Reviled said clawing at its face, “Damn fungus, what have you done.”

“What’s wrong?” Mina said cowering in the doorway.

“She used compulsion magic on it,” Reviled said.

Oria looked at him in confusion, “And?”

“One of the most dangerous creatures in the world is now under Cappy’s control,”

They looked at the mushroom petting the puppy sized ant. Their faces turned to horrified terror as realization started to sit in.

“Virtues help us,” Meridith said holding her head.

“I’m certain they’re behind this,” Reviled said.

Mina tapped on Reviled’s shoulder, “Can’t you take it over from her?”

“It’s too young,” Reviled said shaking its head, “It would die from the pain, and by the time it’s old enough we won’t be able to. Compulsion seals grow stronger the longer they’re active.”

“Leave this to me,” Meridith said. She approached Cappy and kneeled down next to her, “Congratulations Cappy!”

“Thanks, Pretty Lady,” Cappy said, “It was tough but worth it.”

“We’re happy for you, and will be here to help you,” Meridith said, “After all, we’re a family, right?” Cappy nodded with a blank stare, “And Antwuan should listen to the family, right?”

Realization dawned on Cappy, “You’re right,” she said pointing to the group, “Antwuan, these people are your family, and you need to listen to them like you do me. Understand?”

The ant looked at Cappy then at the group and twitched its antennae. Meridith slowly reached out, and Antwuan lowered its head allowing her to pet its black carapace.

“We’ll take good care of you Antwuan,” Meridith said, “Should we get her something to eat?”

“Yes, food!” Capcap said running out of the tent with Antwuan close behind.

Meridith smiled as she approached the group. “What would we do without you?” Reviled said with a chuckle.

“I’m glad to please,” Meridith said patting its chest plate.

“I better make sure that insect doesn’t attack my people,” Skivret said running out.

They stepped outside and watched as Cappy fed pieces of roasted meat to the infant ant. It held the pieces in its large pincers as its smaller mandibles nibbled at the meat. The wererat children slowly approached and reached out, but Antwuan turned and hissed at them.

“No, they’re family,” Cappy said, “Everyone in this camp is family, so behave.”

Reviled chuckled, “We’re doomed.”

“Agreed,” Everyone said with a sigh.